Miami: History, Trails and Nature Experiences

Flint Hills Trail State Park shows how landscape and history coexist in Miami County. It stretches 118 miles from Osawatomie to Council Grove and generally follows the route of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. The trail runs along the Marais des Cygnes River, offering views of flowing water, bluffs, farmland and forest. You can hike, bike or ride horses there. The published mileage may change as trail sections are modified.

Museums and History in Osawatomie

The John Brown Museum presents exhibits in two rooms of the 1854 Adair Cabin. Topics include John Brown and the 1856 Battle of Osawatomie. The Osawatomie History Museum focuses on other aspects of the city’s history: railroads, the Osawatomie State Hospital, the community before the Civil War, rural small-town culture and the social history of Osawatomie.

Railroad history also has its own focus. The MoPac Railroad Depot Museum is a replica of the 1890 Missouri-Pacific passenger depot. Caboose No. 942 has been restored to its 1940s condition. At the Miami County Historical Museum, interactive exhibits invite visitors to participate. Its Native American Room includes a large arrowhead exhibit.

Trails and Landscape

Hillsdale State Park describes different trails for horseback riding and hiking. The Saddle Ridge equestrian area has about 32 miles of marked riding trails. By contrast, the Hidden Spring Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile hiking trail through an oak-hickory forest. The mileage figures therefore refer to different offerings: marked riding trails on the one hand and a single hiking trail on the other.

Another road route is U.S. Highway 69, which runs through Miami County and is designated as the Frontier Scenic Military Byway. The designation describes its official status; it is a different kind of wayfinding information than the trail details for the state parks.

Nature Experiences and Activities

Cedar Cove Conservation Center in Louisburg, Kansas, is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary and education center. Its work is dedicated to the care and protection of endangered species and to environmental education. Public tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Private tours and tours for school groups are available during the week. Check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.

The 80-acre grounds of Louisburg Cider Mill include a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Seasonal activities may vary, so take that into account when planning your visit.

At KC Watersports, the Aqua Park is an inflatable obstacle course on the water. Wakeboarding is offered on a private lake, where participants are towed by an overhead cable. Private lessons with professional instructors round out the offerings. Since offerings may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

NightHawk Winery has a butterfly and prairie walking trail with native grasses. You can also enjoy locally produced wines there. Visitor offerings such as the walking trail may change, too; check the latest information before your visit.

Planning Information

The Miami County Trolley stops at wineries and two restaurants along its route. Since service availability may change, check the latest information before planning. This makes it easy to distinguish the different trip highlights: museums in Osawatomie, trails for a range of activities, nature and educational offerings in Louisburg, and water and wine experiences.

Explore More Destinations

Osawatomie, Louisburg, Paola, Kearny County, Sumner County, Labette, Barber County, Logan County

For the main travel overview: Kansas.